The operating distance for the Sennheiser MKH 50 P48 Microphone will vary depending on the environment, the ambient sounds in the background, as well as the number of people you will be recording and the volume of their voices. Under optimal conditions in a quiet indoor environment without any background noise, the MKH 50 can pick up sounds from around 6 feet to up to approximately 10 feet away. The best thing to do is to monitor through headphones and do some test recordings while you are setting up the mic to make sure the audio is clear.

The Sennheiser MKH 50 P48 Microphone and the Sennheiser MKH 8060 Short Shotgun Microphone are both very good mics. The MKH 8060 has frequency response range of 50 Hz to 25 kHz and a maximum sound pressure level rating of 149 dB while the MKH 50 has a frequency response range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz and maximum SPL rating of 134 dB. The MKH 50 has a built-in -10 dB pad which allows for more headroom while increasing the maximum SPL rating to 142 dB, and it also has a low frequency roll-off switch to minimize rumble and noise. The MKH 8060 has no switches or controls. The equivalent noise level is similar for both mics, at 11 dB (A-weighted) for the MKH 8060 and 12 dB (A weighted) for the MKH 50. The MKH 50 is a shorter mic at 0.98 x 5.91" while the MKH 8060 measures 0.75 x 7.01". The MKH 50 has a supercardioid pickup pattern while the MKH 8060 has supercardioid pattern at low to midrange frequencies and transitions to lobar in higher frequencies. The MKH 50 is designed for use as a spot mic, usually mounted on a boom for overhead applications to focus on one person to record dialog. It is often used for studio applications. The MKH 8060 is better suited for mounting on a camera and it can be used for a wider range of applications such as films, documentaries, and outdoor shooting. The MKH 8060 is also moisture-resistant.

Hi John - all MKH products are made at our factory in Germany in the Village of Wedemark in the Hanover Region of Lower Saxony.

If the 2-3 persons are sitting close to each other, then yes you can use the Sennheiser MKH50 for capturing up to 3 people talking.u

If you plan to use the Sennheiser MKH 50 outdoors, which is entirely feasible, it would be highly recommended to combine it with a sturdy windshield such as BH #RYSSKS or BH #RYWSQAT.

This microphone will need an inerface that can provide both phantom power and XLR to USB conversion to work with a computer.

Yes. As long as your recorder has 48v phantom power.

The only accessories made to actually mitigate damage to the MKH 50 P48 Microphone would be a case for safe storage and transport. In general, wind protection such as foam is not meant to protect against damage, only excessive wind noise and should not be misconstrued for physical protection. While it's true the foam can provide some slight protection against shock, you should still treat the microphone with the same level of care as you would with out any wind protection.